Conversion cradle incandescent lamp to LED lamp

ABSTRACT

A LED lamp mounting assembly for use in motor vehicle lamps is described. The LED lamp mounting assembly connects a LED lamp to a pre-existing incandescent lamp socket in a motor vehicle. The LED lamp mounting assembly therefore allows a LED lamp to be operated from incandescent lamp hardware. In one embodiment, the LED lamp mounting assembled includes a LED lamp assembly, a heat sink, a cradle, printed circuit boards and an electrical connector. The electrical connector is insertable into the incandescent lamp socket and connects to the printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards power the LED lamp assembly and the heat sink adsorbs excess heat created by the LED lamp assembly. The motor vehicle lamp becomes a LED lamp without any changes to the existing incandescent lamp hardware.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present device relates to lighting for automobiles, moreparticularly, but not exclusively, to a light emitting diode (LED)mounting assembly allowing a LED light to be powered from anincandescent lamp socket.

BACKGROUND

Currently, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are being used more and morecommonly as a light source. LEDs are preferred because they providelight that is similar to incandescent bulbs, but have many features thatare superior. For example, LEDs are not subject to one failure becauseof one burnout. Unlike incandescent lights, there is not a fixed instantwhere LEDs stop functioning. They just slowly lose power over time. LEDlights last much longer than incandescent lights with only a relativelysmall percentage of degradation in their performance over time. Inaddition, unlike incandescent lights, LEDs are not subject to failurefrom vibration. LEDs are also better sealed from corrosion. Moreover,LEDs have a much quicker rise time than incandescent lights. Therefore,LED lights are becoming the choice lighting mechanism.

This is especially true in the motor vehicle industry. The failure of alight in the motor vehicle industry can be catastrophic. Faulty brakelights, head lights or taillights can lead to an accident that couldcause serious bodily injury or death. In addition, the quick rise timeof LEDs provides other drivers more time to stop because they arealerted quicker based on the quick rise time. For these reasons, amongothers, LEDs are frequently being used more and more for motor vehicleapplications.

Many motor vehicles have fixtures for only incandescent type lightbulbs. Because of the relative newness of the LED technology, mostexisting and currently manufactured motor vehicles only have vehicleincandescent lamp mounting assemblies. Switching from incandescent lightbulbs to an LED light source for a motor vehicle can be costly anddifficult, as the hard-wire socket must be replaced.

Therefore, needs remain in this area of technology.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention is a LED lamp mounting assembly. Theassembly comprises a cradle constructed and arranged to be mountable ina vehicle incandescent lamp mounting assembly, the vehicle incandescentlamp mounting assembly including an incandescent light bulb socket; aLED lamp including a connector; and an electrical connector including abase, wherein the electrical connector is operatively coupled to theconnector of the LED lamp, wherein the base is constructed and arrangedto be insertable in the incandescent light bulb socket.

Another aspect of the invention is device for replacing an incandescentlamp with an LED lamp in a motor vehicle. The device comprises anincandescent lamp socket, an electrical connector including a base,wherein the base is constructed and arranged to be insertable into theincandescent light bulb socket, a cradle including an outer rim and abasin, the basin defining a recess and including a circuit boardchamber, wherein the outer rim is mountable upon the motor vehicle, aheat sink defining a recess, wherein the recess of the basin receivesthe heat sink, a license lamp printed circuit board, wherein the licenselamp printed circuit board is positioned between the heat sink and thecradle, a drive printed circuit board, wherein the drive printed circuitboard is received inside the circuit board chamber of the basin, and aLED lamp operatively coupled to the electrical connector, wherein theLED lamp is received inside the recess of the heat sink.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for installing LED lights.The method comprises the steps of providing a vehicle lamp mountingassembly including a protective lens and an incandescent bulb, whereinthe incandescent bulb is mounted in a socket; removing the lens andincandescent bulb from the mounting assembly; replacing the incandescentbulb with a LED lamp mounting assembly constructed and arranged to beinsertable in the socket; and replacing the lens after installing theLED lamp mounting assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front exploded view of the LED lamp mounting assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear exploded view of the LED lamp mounting assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembled LED lamp mounting assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the assembled LED conversion lamp of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the removal of a bulb from a prior artincandescent lamp system.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the insertion of the LED lamp mountingassembly of FIG. 1 into the prior art incandescent lamp system of FIG.5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, andfurther applications of the principles of the present invention asillustrated being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled inthe art to which the invention relates.

Generally, an assembly to transform an incandescent light source to aLED light source is described. The assembly enables a purchaser toremove the existing incandescent light bulb and replace it quickly andeasily with the assembly. The benefits of using a LED light source istherefore obtained without costly and timely alterations to the existinglamp.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate exploded frontand rear views of one embodiment of the present invention. Both FIGS. 1and 2 will be referred to during the following discussion together tocompletely describe the features of the different parts of theembodiment from both sides at the same time. Although this embodiment ofthe present invention is a vehicle lamp having an integral license platelamp, such is for illustration purposes only, it being understood thatthe present invention is applicable to any lighting application.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a light emitting diode (LED) lamp mountingassembly 20 according to one embodiment. The LED lamp mounting assembly20 includes a LED assembly 22. The LED assembly 22 lights the motorvehicle lamp. The LED lamp mounting assembly 20 also includes fasteners24 for combining all of the different components of the LED lampmounting assembly 20 together. The LED lamp mounting assembly 20 alsoincludes a heat sink 26 for adsorbing and dissipating the heat producedby the LED assembly 22. A license lamp printed circuit board (PCB) 28provides illumination to the license plate of the motor vehicle that theLED lamp mounting assembly 20 is mounted upon. A cradle 30 attaches tothe motor vehicle and holds all of the other components of the LED lampmounting assembly 20 together. A drive PCB 32 controls the voltage thatenters the LED lamp mounting assembly 20 and transfers power to the LEDassembly 22 and the license lamp PCB 28. Finally, the LED lamp mountingassembly 20 includes an electrical connector 34. The electricalconnector 34 connects to the drive PCB 32 providing power for the LEDassembly 22 and the license lamp PCB 28 and connects the LED lampmounting assembly 20 to an incandescent light bulb socket.

The LED assembly 22 produces the light for the motor vehicle lamp. Inone embodiment, the LED assembly 22 is a LUXEON™ STAR/C LED. The LUXEON™STAR/C LED is produced by Lumileds Lighting, LLC of San Jose, Calif.Other embodiments use alternate types of LEDs suitable to illuminate amotor vehicle lamp readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The LEDassembly 22 includes an LED printed circuit board (PCB) 36 for mountingan LED lamp 38 and to assist in affixing the LED assembly to the heatsink 26. LED PCB 36 includes a connector 40 that connects the inputpower to the LED lamp 38 via traces on the PCB 36, as is known in theart. The LED PCB 36 defines a first aperture 42 and a second aperture 44sized to receive the fasteners 24. The connector 40 includes a positivepin 46 and a negative pin 48 to allow the power source having a negativeand a positive terminal to be affixed to the connector 40. In oneembodiment, the connection provides a single circuit system. In analternate embodiment, the connection provides a double circuit system.The different components of the LED assembly 22 work together in orderto take in power from the electrical connector 34 and transform it intovisible light so that the motor vehicle lamp can function.

The LED assembly 22 is affixed to the heat sink 26. The heat sink 26adsorbs heat produced by the LED lamp 38. One embodiment contemplates aheat sink composed of aluminum. Other embodiments contemplate a heatsink that is composed of titanium. In another embodiment, the heat sinkis composed of a composite material. Other embodiments contemplate othermaterials which are thermally conductive, as will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art. FIG. 1 illustrates that the heat sink 26includes a base 52 that represents the upper portion of the heat sink26. The heat sink 26 also includes an extension 54 that protrudestransversely outward from base 52 to conform to the corresponding shapein the cradle 30. A flange 56 extends in a plane substantially parallelto base 52 from the extension 54. The flange 56 covers and secures thelicense lamp PCB 28. The base 52 of the heat sink 26 defines a window 58allowing the user to view through the LED lamp mounting assembly 20. Thewindow 58 also allows the drive PCB 32 to be operatively coupled to theLED assembly 22. The base 52 of the heat sink 26 defines a recess 60where the LED assembly 22 is received. The base 52 of the heat sink 26also includes ridges 62 that further define the recess 60 that containsthe LED assembly 22.

The license lamp PCB 28 illuminates the license plate of the motorvehicle. The license lamp PCB 28 includes a front surface 64 that isflat and is easily sandwiched by the flange 56 of the heat sink 26against the cradle 30. Referring now to FIG. 2, the rear surface 66rests against the cradle 30 and faces through an opening 160 defined bythe cradle 30. The license lamp PCB 28 includes a LED lamp 68 forproviding illumination, a first connection point 72 and a secondconnection point 74 that operatively couple the license lamp PCB 28 tothe drive PCB 32. The illumination provided by the LED lamp 68 lights upthe license plate of the motor vehicle. The connection points 72, 74provide an area where wires from the drive PCB 32 are fastened.

The cradle 30 supports all of the different components of the LED lampmounting assembly 20. The cradle 30 also fixes the entire LED lampmounting assembly 20 to a motor vehicle. FIG. 1 illustrates that thecradle 30 includes five different main sections. The first section isthe outer rim 78, which is used to affix the LED lamp mounting assembly20 to a motor vehicle. In addition, the cradle 30 includes a first wing80 that connects the inner part of the cradle 30 to the outer rim 78.The cradle 30 also includes a second wing 82 on the opposite side fromthe first wing 80. Next, the cradle 30 includes a foot 84 to furthersupport the inner part of the cradle 30 and to contain the license lampPCB 28. Finally, the cradle 30 includes a basin 86 where the heat sink26, LED assembly 22 and the drive PCB 32 are all received. Incombination, all of the sections of the cradle 30 work together in orderto support the other components of the LED lamp mounting assembly 20 andto fix the assembly 20 to a motor vehicle.

The outer rim 78 that is used to affix the LED lamp mounting assembly 20to the motor vehicle includes an inside surface 88. The outer rim 78actually fits between an existing lamp reflector base and the associatedlens as a retrofit application. It does not mount to the motor vehicleper se. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment where the inside surface88 defines an octagonal-like shape on the top half of the outer rim 78and a circular-like shape on the bottom half of the outer rim 78. Otherembodiments contemplate an inside surface 88 that defines differingshapes for differing types of truck mounting plates. In one embodiment,the inside surface has a circular shape. In an alternate embodiment, theinside surface has a square shape. Those skilled in the art willrecognize other embodiments having different shapes defined by theinside surface 88.

The outer rim 78 includes an outer surface 90 that defines the outerlimits of the outer rim 78. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an outer rim 78having an outer surface 90 forming an irregular rectangular shape. Inalternate embodiments, the outer surface 90 defines an oval shape. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize other embodiments that define othershapes of the outer surface 90. The outer rim 78 also includes a frontsurface 92 as can be seen in FIG. 1 and a rear surface 94 that can beseen in FIG. 2. The rear surface 94 is the surface that is pressed upagainst the surface of the lamp reflector base where the LED lampmounting assembly 20 may be fixed. The front surface 92 faces outwardlyfrom the motor vehicle where the cradle 30 is mounted. The notches 96receive fasteners used to affix the assembled LED lamp mounting assembly20 to the motor vehicle.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the first wing 80 connects the basin 86 to theouter rim 78. The first wing 80 includes a top surface 98 that isslanted at an incline. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclineoffsets the basin 86 at a position out of the plane of the outer rim 78.Other embodiments have an incline that is greater or lesser than theincline of the illustrated embodiment, or no incline at all. The firstwing 80 includes an outer seam 102 that couples the outer rim 78 to thefirst wing 80. The first wing 80 also includes an inner seam 104 thatcouples the first wing 80 to the basin 86.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the rear surface 106 of first wing 80 is alsoat an incline complementing the top surface 98 of the first wing 80. Thefirst wing 80 also has raised ridges 108 that provide additional supportfor the first wing 80. Each of the raised ridges 108 has a top surface110, an inside surface 112 and an outside surface 114. These surfaces110, 112, and 114 define the raised ridges 108 and provide support forthe first wing 80. The increased support further supports the basin 86.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the cradle 30 also includes a second wing 82which also provides support and connects the outer rim 78 to the basin86 on the opposite side to the first wing 80. The second wing 82includes a top surface 116. The second wing 82 includes an outer seam120 and an inner seam 122. The outer seam 120 and the inner seam 122connect the basin 86 to the outer rim 78 and enable the second wing 82to support the basin 86. FIG. 2 illustrates that the rear side of thesecond wing 82 has exactly the same features as the rear side of thefirst wing 80 in the illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the cradle 30 also includes the foot 84 tofurther provide support and to provide an area where the license lampPCB 28 may be mounted. The foot 84 includes an outer seam 134, a curvedsurface 136, and a bottom surface 138 defining the area of the foot 84that connects to the outer rim 78. The foot also includes a tab 140. Thetab 140 is used to provide a raised area where the license lamp PCB 28and flange 56 will slide behind in order to firmly hold the license lampPCB 28 in place. The tab 140 is defined by a top surface 142, sidesurfaces 144, a front surface 146 and a rear surface 148. The rearsurface 148 of the tab 140 contacts the flange 56 of the heat sink 26.There is an opening 160 defined by the foot 84 toward which the rearsurface 66 of the license lamp PCB 28 faces. Illumination from thelicense lamp PCB 28 shines through the opening 160. The flange 56 of theheat sink 26 covers the opening 160 when the LED lamp mounting assembly20 is assembled. The foot 86 also has a retaining wall 150 that contactsthe rear surface 66 of the license lamp PCB 28. Therefore, the licenselamp PCB 28 fits in between the tab 140 and the retaining wall 150underneath the flange 56 when assembled.

Referring to FIG. 2, the foot 84 has a rear ridge 152. The rear ridge152 outlines the shape of the license lamp PCB 28. The foot 84 alsoincludes foot support 154. Foot support 154 supports the foot 84 andalso supports the basin 86. In FIG. 2, the foot support 154 exhibits acurved surface. Other embodiments contemplate a foot support 154 havinga different shape. For example, a level foot support 154 is used in onealternate embodiment. The foot support 154 has an outer surface 156 andan inner surface 158.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the cradle 30 also includes a basin 86. Thebasin 86 is the section of the cradle 30 that holds all of the othercomponents of the LED lamp mounting assembly 20. The basin 86 isslightly offset from the outer rim 78 of the cradle 30. Otherembodiments contemplate that the cradle 30 has a basin 86 that is eithermore or less offset from the outer rim 78. The basin 86 defines a recess162 therein where the heat sink 26 and the LED assembly 22 are received.The recess 162 is defined by side ridges 164 and side surfaces 166.Further defining the recess 162 is a first raised surface 168 and secondraised surface 170. A window 172 exists in the second raised surface170. When the LED lamp mounting assembly 20 is assembled, the window 172is aligned with window 58 of the heat sink 26. This window 172 allowsthe user to look through the LED lamp mounting assembly 22 whilemounting the LED lamp mounting assembly 20. Moreover, the window 172allows the drive PCB 32 to be operatively coupled to the LED assembly22. The recess 162 includes fastener holes 174 and a well 176. Thefastener holes 174 provide a passage through the cradle 30 allowing thefasteners 24 to slide through the cradle 30. Viewing the basin 86 fromthe vantage of FIG. 2 illustrates that the well 176 creates a protrusion178. The protrusion 178 provides a way to securely mount the drive PCB32 over the protrusion 178.

Continuing to view the basin 86 from the rear view of FIG. 2, thecircuit board chamber 180 defines a recess where the drive PCB 32 willlay. The circuit board chamber 180 is composed of first side surfaces182 and second side surfaces 184. The combination of these side surfaces182, 184 define the circuit board chamber 180 where the drive PCB 32 maybe inserted. The circuit board chamber 180 includes a notch 183 formedin one of the side surfaces 184. The circuit board chamber 180 alsoincludes raised tabs 186 preventing the drive PCB 32 from settling in animproper position. Furthermore, the circuit board chamber 180 has aridge 188 that runs across the center of the circuit board chamber 180.The basin 86 also includes a rear surface 190 that surrounds the window172. In addition, the basin 86 includes a top surface 191 that runsparallel to the raised ridges 108, 126 of the first wing 80 and thesecond wing 82.

The LED lamp mounting assembly 20 also includes a drive PCB 32. Thedrive PCB 32 is operatively coupled to the electrical connector 34 andtransfers power from the automobile to the LED lamp assembly 22 and thelicense lamp PCB 28. The drive PCB 32 includes a front surface 192 asshown in FIG. 1 and a rear surface 194 as shown in FIG. 2. The drive PCB32 also has side surfaces 196 defining the outer limit of the drive PCB32. The drive PCB 32 also includes wires 197 to operatively couple thedrive PCB 32 to the LED lamp assembly 22 and the license lamp PCB 28.The wires 197 that connect the license lamp PCB 28 and the drive PCB 32run along the rear surface 190 of the cradle 30. The wires 197 connectto the connection points 72, 74 of the license lamp PCB 28 and providepower to illuminate the LED lamp 68. The other wires 197 connect to theLED lamp assembly 22. They pass through the windows 172, 58 of thecradle 30 and the heat sink 26 and connect to the negative pin 48 andthe positive pin 46 of the connector 40. The drive PCB 32 also includesa notch 198 to assist in enabling a connection between the electricalconnector 34 and the drive PCB 32. In addition, the drive PCB 32 definesan aperture 200 that slides over the protrusion 176. In one embodiment,the drive PCB 32 is affixed to the cradle 30 using an adhesive, such asepoxy.

The LED lamp mounting assembly 20 also includes an electrical connector34. FIG. 2 illustrates that the LED lamp mounting assembly 20 includesan electrical connector 34 having a first wire 202 providing a positiveterminal, a second wire 204 for providing a negative terminal and athird wire 206 that is a ground wire. In addition, the electricalconnector 34 also includes a base 208. FIG. 2 illustrates an embodimentwhere the base 208 fits into a bayonet incandescent light bulb socket.In another embodiment, the base 208 is sized to fit into a specialtyincandescent light bulb socket. Moreover, in other embodiments the base208 fits into standard type and wedge base type incandescent lampsockets. Furthermore, those skilled in the art recognize countless othershapes of bases that may be used with a variety of incandescent lightbulb sockets. The wires, 202, 204, and 206 connect to the drive PCB 32and pass through the notch 198 into the circuit board chamber 180 of thebasin 86, in one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment the wires202, 204, and 206 pass through drive PCB 32. Power from the motorvehicle flows into and through the electrical connector 34 eventuallyilluminating the LED lamp 38 and the LED lamp 68.

FIG. 3 illustrates the assembled LED lamp mounting assembly 20 from afront view. As illustrated, the basin 86 receives the heat sink 26, theLED assembly 22, and the license lamp PCB 24 together on the front sideof the cradle 30. The LED lamp assembly 22, the heat sink 26, and thecradle 30 are fixed together using the fasteners 24. The license lampPCB 24 is sandwiched between the heat sink 26 and the cradle 30 whenthey are coupled using the fasteners 24. The window of the heat sink 26and the cradle 30 align providing a complete window 210 passing throughthe assembled LED lamp mounting assembly 20. This complete window 210allows the user to look through the assembled LED lamp mounting assembly20 assisting in mounting the assembly 20 to a motor vehicle. Inaddition, the complete window 210 provides a passageway where the wires197 of the drive PCB 32 can pass through to connect to the LED lampassembly 22.

The heat sink 26 snugly fits into the basin 86 of the cradle 30completely filling the basin 86. The flange 56 of the heat sink 26 isshaped to fit over the foot 84 of the cradle 30. The flange 56 alsoencapsulates the license lamp PCB 28 and protects the license lamp PCB28 from external disrupting conditions. By covering the license lamp PCB28 with the flange 56, light from the license lamp PCB 28 is preventedfrom shining in the wrong direction away from the license plate. Theflange 56 fits behind the tab 140 of the cradle 30. The tab 140 providesan additional retaining wall to help keep the flange 56 in place. Inaddition, the tab 140 provides a guide to indicate that the flange 56 isproperly located. The LED assembly 22 rests in the recess 60 of the heatsink 26. The recess 60 of the heat sink 26 lies in the recess 162 of thebasin 86. This configuration places the LED lamp 38 at the maximumdistance away from the outer rim 78 of the cradle 30. Placing the LEDlamp 38 at such a distance protects the LED lamp 38 from damage causedby a motor vehicle collision or other external factors. Moreover, thislocation positions the LED lamp 38 in the same location as the removedincandescent light bulb. Thus, the same lens optics may be used and theuser does not have to purchase an entirely new lens set. The LED lamp 38faces outwardly from the front view so that the light produced from thelamp will illuminate the motor vehicle lamp lens (not shown). The wires197 from the drive PCB (not shown) connect to the positive pin 46 andthe negative pin 48 of the connector 40 to provide power to illuminatethe LED assembly 22.

FIG. 4 illustrates the assembled LED lamp mounting assembly 20 from therear view. The drive PCB 32 is placed into the circuit board chamber180. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive PCB 32 is coupled to thecircuit board chamber 180 using epoxy. The epoxy is preferably of asufficient amount to cover the ends of the fasteners 24 that extendthrough the cradle 30 to prevent the ends of the fasteners 24 fromdamaging the drive PCB 32. Other embodiments contemplate otherattachment methods readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Theaperture 200 of the drive PCB 32 fits over the protrusion 178 thatextends outwardly from the cradle 30. The electrical connector 34 isattached to the drive PCB 32 by connecting the wires 202, 204 and 206 tothe drive PCB 32. The wires 202, 204 and 206 fit through the notch 198in the drive PCB 32 and the notch 183 formed in the circuit boardchamber 180. In the illustrated embodiment, the wires 202, 204 and 206of the electrical connector 34 also lie in the epoxy that is used tobond the drive PCB 32 to the cradle 30 in the circuit board chamber 180.Moreover, the epoxy forms a seal providing protection for the wires 202,204 and 206. The wires 197 pass through the complete window 210 toattach to the LED assembly 28. In addition, the wires 197 attach to thelicense lamp PCB 28. The license lamp PCB 28 faces outwardly through theopening 160 when assembled. The license lamp PCB 28 illuminates thelicense plate of the motor vehicle when installed.

Once the LED lamp mounting assembly 20 is assembled, it is mounted to amotor vehicle having a vehicle incandescent lamp mounting assembly. Forexample, the brake light of a truck is replaced in one embodiment. Otherembodiments include, but are not limited to, stop lamps, tail lamps,turn signal lamps, back-up lamps, license lamps, side marker lamps,clearance lamps, identification lamps, dome lamps, courtesy lamps, andcombination clearance and side marker lamps to name a few.

The transformation from an incandescent light system to a LED lightsystem is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 illustrates the removalof the old incandescent system. A lens 212 is removed from a base plate214. Generally, the lens 212 is attached to the base plate 214 usingfasteners (not shown), however, any method of securing the lens 212 tothe base plate 214 readily apparent to those skilled in the art iscontemplated. The incandescent lamp 216 is also removed from a socket218 as illustrated in FIG. 5. As illustrated, the removal is quitesimple as the lens 212 and the incandescent lamp simply are just removedas designed, leaving the base plate 214 and the socket 218.

FIG. 6 illustrates the attachment of the LED lamp mounting assembly 20to the base plate 214. The base 208 is inserted into the socket 218inside of the base plate 214. The base 208 does not need to be adjustedbecause it is constructed and arranged to fit into the socket 218. Theentire LED lamp mounting assembly 20 then fits snugly against the baseplate 214. The lens 212 is the attached over the LED lamp mountingassembly 20. The attachment of the lens 212 to the LED lamp mountingassembly 20 and the base plate 214 is generally the method that wasoriginally used to attach the lens 212. It is contemplated, however,that different attachment methods are used in different embodiments.Therefore, the LED lamp mounting assembly 20 enables the oldincandescent system to be replaced with a new LED lamp system quicklyand easily.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1. A device for replacing an incandescent lamp with an LED lamp in amotor vehicle comprising: an incandescent lamp socket; an electricalconnector including a base, wherein said base is constructed andarranged to be insertable into said incandescent light bulb socket; acradle including an outer rim and a basin, said basin defining a recessand including a circuit board chamber, wherein said outer rim ismountable upon said motor vehicle; a heat sink defining a second recess,wherein said recess of said basin receives said heat sink; a licenselamp printed circuit board, wherein said license lamp printed circuitboard is positioned between said heat sink and said cradle; a driveprinted circuit board, wherein said drive printed circuit board isreceived inside said circuit board chamber of said basin; and an LEDlamp operatively coupled to said electrical connector, wherein said LEDlamp is received inside the second recess of said heat sink.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said heat sink is composed of aluminum. 3.The device of claim 1, wherein said cradle is composed of plastic. 4.The device of claim 1, wherein said drive circuit board is coupled tosaid basin using epoxy.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said base isconstructed and arranged to be received by a bayonet-based bulb socket.6. The device of claim 1, said heat sink including a flange, whereinsaid license lamp printed circuit board is sandwiched in between saidflange and said cradle.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said LED lamp,said cradle, and said heat sink are coupled using fasteners.